Gaff

[beamie]

That is reasonable

I thought they were going to eliminate gaffing bass totally

Anyone gaffing and releasing should be fined etc. no excuse for that.

I am glad they wrote it like they did. Netting a big fish that you intend to keep when your alone with a big net is not easy imo.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[piemma]

I never used a gaff in the surf or on my boat. I have landed fish over 40# in both venues without a net or gaff. What happened to grabbing the fish by the lower jaw? If I were to keep a fish, that's the way I learned to land fish. Must be a lost art "old school" thing.

BTW, if I were not keeping the fish I never took her out of the water. That's what pliers are for.

[bassballer]

Originally Posted by piemma

I never used a gaff in the surf or on my boat. I have landed fish over 40# in both venues without a net or gaff. What happened to grabbing the fish by the lower jaw? If I were to keep a fish, that's the way I learned to land fish. Must be a lost art "old school" thing.

BTW, if I were not keeping the fish I never took her out of the water. That's what pliers are for.

Same here Paul, Ive never used a gaff or net for striped bass. Pulled fish up to high 40lbs no issue by throwing my hand on its jaw. Never got the use of a gaff for bass fishing.